Real Projects event puts the focus on Aberdeen Harbour expansion

The latest in a series of talks that enable young people to learn from industry professionals will take place at the University of Aberdeen on Thursday, August 29.

The session, part of the Real Projects series organised by Aberdeen social enterprise AFBE-UK Scotland, will focus on the environmental considerations required when undertaking complex engineering projects.

The event will provide an insight into the Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project, with speakers from the project’s principal contractor Dragados UK. Scheduled for completion in 2020, the £350m expansion will allow Aberdeen Harbour to facilitate further business from both new and existing markets.

Lola Okunrinboye, environmental manager at Dragados UK, will give the talk ‘Environmental Impact Assessments – Case Study of the Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project’. Lola received her Master’s Degree in Environmental and Energy Engineering from The University of Sheffield and has over a decade of experience in a variety of environmental engineering roles. She joined Dragados UK in January 2019.

Also speaking at the event is Javier Buron, community engagement manager at Dragados UK, who will provide insight into the opportunities the expansion will bring to the area. Javier received his Master’s Degree in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Dr Ollie Folayan, chair of AFBE-UK Scotland, said: “We’re looking forward to Lola and Javier’s talks on what has proven a very significant project for the region. They both have a great deal of knowledge on the project and will provide invaluable perspectives.”

AFBE-UK Scotland promotes diversity and inclusion. It encourages all young people, particularly those of black and minority ethnic (BME) origin, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The group, which has engaged with thousands of young people across Aberdeen and Edinburgh, was established in 2011.

The organisation has two other engagement programmes: its schools programme, NextGen, in which industry professionals give up their time to highlight engineering as a career choice to pupils, and Transition, which gives students and recent graduates practical career advice through talks, CV reviews and mock interviews.

The Real Projects event takes place at the university’s New Kings Building (NK14) on Thursday, August 29 (2019), 6.30pm-8pm.